An explosion that rocked the entrance of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas today (Wednesday) has raised serious security questions. Early investigations revealed the blast, involving a Tesla Cybertruck, may have been intentional, according to local law enforcement.
The incident has already claimed one life, left seven injured, and ignited concerns about a potential connection to another violent attack earlier that day in New Orleans, CNN reported.
Details of the Incident
The explosion reportedly occurred around 8:40 a.m. Wednesday, just moments after the Tesla Cybertruck arrived at the hotel. Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill said the truck pulled up directly to the hotel's glass entrance doors before the blast.
Tesla provided video evidence that captured the Cybertruck's route and revealed no mechanical faults, leading investigators to suspect external explosives. Elon Musk confirmed this theory on social media X, describing that large fireworks and gasoline canisters in the truck bed caused the explosion and were unrelated to the vehicle itself.
First responders discovered seven people with minor injuries, two of whom were hospitalized. Tragically, the individual inside the Cybertruck perished in the explosion.
A Broader Context
This incident followed a horrifying attack earlier in the day on New Year’s Eve revelers in New Orleans. There, a rented pickup truck adorned with an ISIS flag reportedly drove into a crowd, killing 15 and injuring over 30 before police neutralized the driver.
Notably, both vehicles, the Cybertruck in Las Vegas and the New Orleans pickup were rented through Turo, according to NBC News. The explosion prompted a swift response from federal and local agencies.
FBI Special Agent Jeremy Schwartz assured the public there was no ongoing threat, but heightened security remains in place at high-profile Trump properties, including Trump Tower in New York and the Trump International Hotel in Chicago.
Authorities continue analyzing the blast scene, hoping to uncover what ignited the fireworks and gasoline in the truck bed. Sheriff McMahill urged the public to remain patient during the investigation, adding that this could be an isolated incident.
